NafisaLeeds United’s summer rebuild is far from over, and behind the scenes the recruitment team are continuing to explore a number of attacking options before the transfer window closes.
Daniel Farke has already strengthened key areas of his squad, but there is a growing belief that the Whites are still missing another proven goalscorer capable of sharing the burden over a demanding Premier League campaign.
While Dominic Calvert-Lewin carried much of the responsibility in front of goal last season, Leeds are determined not to place all their hopes on one striker again.
That has prompted the club to quietly assess several high-profile names across England and Europe, although not every deal represents good value in the eyes of the Elland Road hierarchy.
The club have already seen one attacking target slip away after Carlos Espi completed his move to Real Madrid, while other forwards continue to be monitored as Leeds weigh up where to spend their remaining transfer budget.
Among those attracting serious attention are Burnley’s Zian Flemming, who impressed with 11 Premier League goals last season, and Club Brugge striker Nicolo Tresoldi, whose prolific campaign in Belgium has also caught the eye of Leeds’ recruitment staff.
Another Premier League forward has now emerged as an option.
Sources close to Football Insider claim Leeds have made initial contact over Chelsea striker Liam Delap, with Daniel Farke viewing the 23-year-old as a player capable of adding real competition in attack.
However, there is one major obstacle preventing the Whites from pushing ahead.
Chelsea are demanding £40 million for Delap, and Leeds have no intention of matching that valuation at this stage of the transfer window.
The Yorkshire club are understood to admire the former Ipswich Town forward but will only consider taking negotiations further if Chelsea significantly reduce their asking price.
Everton and Nottingham Forest are also monitoring Delap’s situation, although the current valuation is believed to be discouraging several interested clubs.
Speaking on Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, journalist Pete O’Rourke explained:
“Leeds United, I’m sure, would be interested in someone like Liam Delap if he did become available. Everton are long-term admirers of him as well, and Nottingham Forest have also been credited with an interest in him as well.
“Obviously his asking price might make it prohibitive for some clubs, and again, I’m not sure Leeds would be willing to pay up to £40 million for Delap.”
Chelsea signed Delap for £30 million last summer following his impressive spell at Ipswich Town, but his first season at Stamford Bridge proved difficult.
The striker managed just three goals in 48 appearances, leaving uncertainty over his long-term future despite continued interest from Premier League clubs.
For now, Leeds remain firmly in the race—but only if Chelsea become more realistic over their valuation.
With several alternative striker targets already under consideration, the Whites appear prepared to stay patient rather than rush into another expensive deal before the summer window closes.
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